HTS (170 mM), decreases TNFα (10 ng/ml) induced I-kB phosphorylation (Ser 32/36) and consequent degradation (total). HMVECs were stimulated with TNFα for 0, 15, 30, and 60 mins in media with either 140 mM or 170 mM [Na+] (300 mOsm/L or 360 mOsm/L, respectively). Phospho I-kB and total were measured in cell lysates determined by ELISA. Cells incubated with 170 mM [Na+] (360 mOsm/L) alone for up to 60 mins were not different from isotonic cells (300mOsm) at time 0. Data are expressed as mean ±SEM of 5 experiments. * indicates difference (p<0.01) from matched isotonic time point.